Hot Pot International Restaurant

- 228-13 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11413

Introduction / Overview: A Cozy Corner for Authentic Island Flavor in Queens

For New Yorkers in the Southeast Queens community, Hot Pot International Restaurant stands out as a distinctive and welcoming local eatery. Located on Merrick Boulevard, this restaurant proudly identifies as both Black-owned and women-owned, bringing a strong sense of community and authenticity to its culinary offerings. While the name suggests a connection to the 'Hot Pot' style of cooking, the business primarily focuses on serving robust and traditional Jamaican restaurant cuisine and other West Indian food that locals crave.

Hot Pot International is celebrated for its commitment to providing a Casual and Family-friendly dining experience. Customers describe the atmosphere as "small & cozy," making it an appealing spot for a relaxed meal away from the hustle of the city. The focus is on Comfort food, Quick bites, and Small plates across an extensive range of Jamaican staples. From early morning Breakfast to late evening Dinner, this spot serves the community with options for every meal period, including essential amenities like Restroom access and flexible payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

While one customer review mentions a lack of flavor in some dishes, another highlights a "delicious" experience with Ackee & Saltfish with Provision and praises the owner as "nice, polite, and very friendly." This combination of authentic cuisine and warm, personalized service is a core part of the local appeal, making it a reliable choice for residents seeking the taste of the islands.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Merrick Blvd Stop

Hot Pot International Restaurant is strategically situated at 228-13 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11413, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling Laurelton section of Queens, where local businesses thrive and authentic Caribbean cuisine is highly valued. Merrick Boulevard is a main artery in the borough, ensuring high visibility and ease of access for local patrons driving from surrounding neighborhoods like Springfield Gardens, Rosedale, and Jamaica.

The location’s presence in this particular Queens zip code solidifies its role as a neighborhood anchor for Caribbean dining. For customers driving to the location, Paid street parking is available nearby, which is typical for commercial strips in NYC boroughs. Its accessibility for Delivery and Takeout is also a major convenience for busy New Yorkers, making a delicious, authentic meal just a phone call or click away.

Services Offered

Hot Pot International prioritizes flexibility and convenience for its customers, reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of New Yorkers:

• Dine-in: Offers a "small & cozy" environment with Seating for a comfortable meal.
• Takeout: Standard service for quick pick-up of meals, popular for both Lunch and Dinner.
• Delivery: Provides standard Delivery service to the local area.
• No-contact Delivery: An option for customers prioritizing safety and convenience.
• All-Day Dining: Serves meals throughout the day, covering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Catering: Listed as a Dining option, suggesting they can provide meals for events and larger gatherings.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant's features revolve around its culinary identity and its role within the local Queens community:

• Black-Owned & Women-Owned Business: A key distinction that highlights its deep roots and commitment to the local community in Queens.
• Focus on Authentic West Indian Food: Despite the name, the primary offerings are traditional Jamaican and Caribbean dishes, providing genuine Comfort food to a receptive local clientele.
• Acknowledged Delicious Signature Dishes: Customer feedback specifically praises the Ackee & Saltfish with Provision as a "delicious" meal, indicating a high standard of preparation for classic island staples.
• Warm and Friendly Customer Experience: Staff and owner are highlighted in reviews for being "nice, polite, and very friendly," contributing to the overall appealing and welcoming atmosphere.
• "Cozy" Dining Atmosphere: The small and uncrowded nature of the space makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a Casual, relaxed, and intimate dining experience.
• Extensive Service Options: Comprehensive service choices ensure convenience, including four ways to receive your food (Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, No-contact Delivery).
• Popular for All Main Meals: Recognized as a popular spot for both Lunch and Dinner, confirming its reliability as a go-to food destination throughout the day.

Contact Information

For placing orders, inquiries, or catering requests, Hot Pot International Restaurant can be reached at their Queens location:

• Address: 228-13 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11413, USA
• Phone: (718) 525-3201

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a reliably authentic and welcoming Caribbean dining experience, Hot Pot International Restaurant offers several compelling reasons to choose it over others.

First and foremost, the restaurant's strongest endorsement is the quality of its traditional West Indian staples and the consistently praised hospitality. The owner's friendly demeanor and the staff's politeness create a delightful, "not crowded" environment, which is a rare and valued commodity in Queens. When the food, such as the praised Ackee & Saltfish with Provision, hits the mark, it offers a true taste of home-style island cooking that is hard to beat.

The choice to support a Black-owned and women-owned business is also a significant factor for many local users who prioritize supporting diverse community enterprises. This business not only serves food but also acts as a friendly neighborhood gathering spot, perfect for families (Good for kids) or anyone looking for a Casual place to enjoy a delicious meal.

While the menu is vast enough to satisfy cravings for Oxtail and other heavy meat dishes, based on customer sentiment, visitors should focus on the highly recommended traditional dishes and appreciate the personal, cozy, and non-crowded atmosphere that the restaurant provides. For a combination of authentic Jamaican Comfort food and genuinely warm service right in the heart of Queens, Hot Pot International is a highly recommended choice.

Hot Pot International Restaurant

228-13 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11413, USA